The upcoming season of 'It: Welcome to Derry' is set to delve into the grim realities of the 1930s, a period of immense social and economic turmoil. This era, marked by the Great Depression, will serve as the backdrop for the second season, exploring themes of survival, desperation, and the harsh realities of life during this time. Andy Muschietti, the co-creator of the series, emphasizes the importance of this period, stating that it is 'the very center and the heart of our story.'
Muschietti's vision for the new season is to portray a Derry that is starkly different from the suburban comfort of the first season. He describes it as 'a graveyard almost,' where the characters are 'depleted, poor, tired, jobless, homeless.' This depiction is a stark contrast to the familiar setting of the previous season, where the horror lurked beneath the surface of seemingly normal suburban life. The new season will showcase the harsh realities of the 1930s, including the social and cultural issues that were prevalent during this time.
The 1930s interlude in Stephen King's novel, the Bradley Gang Massacre, will be a central focus. This event, set in 1935, involves a group of outlaws hiding in Derry while fleeing the FBI, causing chaos and violence. Muschietti's creative team, including his wife Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs, will have a larger canvas to work with, as this period only takes up a small portion of the overall story. However, the family bloodline will be a connecting thread, helping fans understand the different timelines and their relationships.
The director's interest in this period is not just about the historical setting but also about the psychological and social implications. He notes that the characters will be 'doing crazy things' to survive, and the story will delve into the 'horrible things that were happening in the era.' This includes the social and cultural issues that were prevalent during the Great Depression, such as poverty, unemployment, and the struggle for survival. Muschietti's approach to storytelling is to explore the hidden stories and the crumbs left by King, creating a narrative that is both backward-looking and forward-thinking.
As the series continues to explore the dark corners of Derry, Muschietti's three-season plan comes into focus. The first season, currently streaming on HBO Max, sets the stage for the upcoming seasons by introducing the mystery surrounding a missing boy and the Cold War military plot. The second season, set in the 1930s, will delve into the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression, while the third season, set in 1962, will explore the social and cultural changes that occurred during this period. Muschietti's interest in adapting other King stories, such as 'The Juant,' also suggests a broader vision for the franchise, one that could expand the universe of Derry and Pennywise in unexpected ways.
